Power-Off Stall
Power-off stall practice demonstrates stall recognition and recovery in a configuration and flight condition commonly associated with an approach to landing.
What power-off stall practice represents
Power-off stall training is commonly used to demonstrate how a stall can develop while the airplane is configured and operating in a condition associated with approach or landing.
The training maneuver is not a substitute for maintaining a stable approach and adequate stall margin during actual operations.
Configuration and setup
The exact entry configuration, altitude, speed, and procedure depend on the aircraft and applicable training standard.
Before beginning the maneuver, the pilot clears the area and establishes the aircraft according to the approved procedure and instructor guidance.
Recognizing the developing stall
As airspeed decreases and angle of attack increases, the pilot observes aircraft-specific indications of the approaching stall.
These may include changes in control effectiveness, buffet, stall warning, pitch response, or other cues.
Recovery priority
As with any aerodynamic stall, the essential recovery action is to reduce angle of attack below the critical angle of attack.
Power, pitch, configuration, and flight-path changes are then managed according to the aircraft procedure while maintaining coordination and returning to controlled flight.
Coordination and secondary stalls
Poor coordination during a stall can increase yaw and complicate the recovery. Excessive rudder input should be avoided.
During recovery, the pilot should also avoid raising the nose too aggressively before adequate flying speed and stall margin have been restored, which could lead to a secondary stall.
Common power-off stall errors
- inadequate clearing before the maneuver;
- incorrect setup or configuration;
- poor recognition of stall cues;
- failing to reduce angle of attack sufficiently;
- poor rudder coordination;
- incorrect sequencing of power or configuration changes;
- allowing a secondary stall during recovery.
Why pilots practice power-off stalls
The maneuver connects stall awareness with the low-speed, higher-angle-of-attack conditions that can occur during approach and landing.
Practice reinforces recognition, disciplined recovery priorities, coordination, and the importance of maintaining a stable approach in normal operations.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, conditions, training objective, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, practice may include:
- clearing the area before the maneuver;
- using the aircraft-specific setup and configuration;
- recognizing increasing angle of attack and stall cues;
- maintaining appropriate coordination;
- reducing angle of attack during recovery;
- applying power and managing configuration according to procedure;
- avoiding excessive control inputs during recovery;
- preventing a secondary stall while returning to normal flight.
Related flying skills
Track power-off stall practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced power-off stall alongside the other individual flying skills from the same session. You can also set a personal Practice Target if this is a skill you want to revisit at your own chosen interval.
Practice Targets are personal reminders. They do not establish regulatory currency, proficiency, or legal eligibility to fly.
References
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airplane Flying Handbook
- Federal Aviation Administration — AC 61-67C, Stall and Spin Awareness Training
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airman Certification Standards
This page is a general reference and is not a substitute for aircraft documentation, flight instruction, regulations, certification standards, or operational procedures applicable to a particular flight.